Polydipsia or excessive thirst in canines is a typical observation in pet parents and should never be overlooked. There are several possible causes of polydipsia; some can be worrying and lethal when not addressed promptly. So if you want to know what’s causing your pet to drink excessively, we’ll tell you the answers as we keep going.
5 Common Causes of Increased Thirst in Dogs
Dogs that suddenly got thirsty for a day or two are not something to be bothered with. But if your dog starts draining their water bowls and hitting the toilets more often after a few more days, it’s time to bring them to the veterinarian. According to many specialists, increased thirst in canines can be triggered by the following aspects:
1. Vomiting
Vomiting causes dogs to lose fluids, which can dehydrate them. Due to this, they’ll drink more to rehydrate themselves. However, water should only be served to them in small amounts as they may vomit more if they fill their stomach with too much water.
2. Diabetes mellitus
Dog diabetes can cause high blood sugar due to insulin deficiency or resistance. The kidneys excrete the excess blood sugar into the urine and drag water with it. Since your pet will urinate more, it’ll have increased thirst. Diabetes mellitus in dogs can be controlled by adjusting the dog’s diet and administering insulin.
Diabetes can happen in cats and dogs of any age, although it tends to affect the older ones more. However, the good thing is that it’s preventable. Doing preventive measures while your pet is still young can make a difference in avoiding the said condition. Routinely taking your young pet to the vet for regular checkups can help identify and manage the onset of any life-threatening illnesses before they aggravate.
You may check their website to see the importance of routine vet exams.
3. Kidney disease
Excessive drinking may indicate a kidney condition in senior pets. They urinate more, and they consume more water to prevent dehydration. Kidney disease is often addressed by adjusting the pet’s diet and recognizing underlying causes of kidney failure, like kidney infections or stones. One way to prevent kidney failure in pets is by looking after their oral health.
Regularly taking your dog to veterinary dentists for teeth cleaning and assessment can help guarantee their dental and entire health is well looked after. You may visit their dental page to see their list of dog dentistry services.
4. Hot weather
Nothing beats a morning in the summer season, especially when you take your dog out for a walk outside when the sun is up and the weather is hot. However, this weather can affect and increase a canine’s water needs, even doubling or tripling the amount. So the next time you see your canine drinking more water than normal throughout the summer season, don’t be too troubled, as this could be their mechanism for combating dehydration.
Regularly take your pet to dog grooming facilities during hot summer days to ensure they are fresh, comfortable, and prepared to do outdoor activities with you.
5. Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is common in senior or middle-aged dogs and occurs less frequently in felines. Sleepiness, recurring skin infections, a bigger abdomen, increased appetite and urination, and increased thirst are the typical symptoms of Cushing’s disease. If your four-legged companion experiences polydipsia or signs associated with Cushing’s disease, the veterinarian might conduct ultrasound and blood tests to make a precise diagnosis.
